International human rights organization Amnesty International has blasted President William Ruto's administration for orchestrating the detention of three people on suspicion of discussing the Israel-Palestine conflict.
The organization led by Irungu Houghton claimed in a statement issued early Wednesday morning that the arrest constituted an illegal assault on the right to protest.
Regardless of the government's stance, the organization maintained that all Kenyans should be free to voice their opinions, including those regarding the ongoing conflict between Israel, Gaza, and other Palestinian territories.
"We retaliate that the government has a duty to respect the right of every person to assemble and demonstrate in support of or against any cause peaceably, as protected in Article 37 of the constitution," read the statement in part.
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"We call upon authorities to avoid broad vilification of protests and assemblies. The Kenyan government must distinguish itself from other jurisdictions where preemptive bans on protests in support of Palestine have been banned. Government agencies ought to promote the spirit of the Bill of Rights and not be an impediment to the realisation of those rights."
Houghton, the executive director of Amnesty Kenya, urged the police to maintain the rule of law and refrain from interfering politically while carrying out their duties in a restrained manner.
"Police have a duty to facilitate and protect the right to protest and refrain from suppressing dissent and subjecting criminal sanctions to those participating in protests," he stated.
Imaduddin Ahmed, Muhammad Musa, and Ubax Abdi were taken into custody by the police on Sunday during a meeting where the Gaza conflict was discussed. The three were brought to the police station in Muthangari.
When Ruto issued a statement denouncing the war at the beginning of October, the Kenyan government supported Israel in the ongoing conflict.
"Kenya joins the rest of the world in solidarity with the State of Israel and unequivocally condemn terrorism and attacks on innocent civilians in the country," the Head of State announced on October 8.
Meanwhile, Mombasa locals demonstrated favor of the Palestine wing, with Nyali MP Mohammed Ali in attendance.
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The US branch of Amnesty International said on Monday that it had uncovered proof of illegal Israeli strikes that resulted in many civilian deaths and that these incidents should be considered war crimes.
"Israeli forces have shown a shocking disregard for civilian lives, pulverizing buildings and destroying essential infrastructure," the statement began.
Since the conflict started at the beginning of October, more than 4,600 people have died.
